Page 79 of Truth or Tequila (Grand Slam 1)

“It’s worth it. I have to do something. I’m in a little bit of a hurry.”

He crosses his arms and nods his head. “This have anything to do with that sweet, little Sophie? She came flying by me earlier. Didn’t even give me a hug like she always does. She looked upset. Are you the cause of that? Don’t look at me all surprised. I see everything that happens around here. I know you got it bad for her, but I have to tell you, Seb, if you upset that girl, I’m not doing anything to help you. She’s a peach, that one.”

“I didn’t do anything to her, Chick. Believe me, I would never do that.” I lock my eyes with his. “It’s a misunderstanding. I need to clear it up without a bunch of people tailing me. I need some alone time with her.”

“All right, yeah, we have a deal.” He reaches into his pocket and slides me his car keys. “They let me park in the stadium because I can’t walk too great anymore. It’s over by where the EMTs park. You know, underneath that big hotdog sign.”

“Yeah, I know where it is. I’ll leave my keys in my locker.” I pat him on the shoulder. “I appreciate this.”

“Believe me, I appreciate it way more than you do. I can’t wait to drive that thing,” he says, rubbing his hands together. “I promise I’ll take good care of your baby.”

“I know you will. I’ll take care of yours, too.”

“Shoot, Seb,” he says, slapping my arm, “your right arm is worth a million times what my car’s worth. Just make sure you stay safe. And figure out your stuff with Sophie. She’s pure sunshine. I’m not sure that anyone deserves her, but you come close. I think you’d be good together.”

I nod as I back away. “So do I, Chick. So do I.”

As I head over to my locker, Joe walks over to Chick and starts interrogating him. I watch for a second. Chick looks over at me and winks. He’s not going to give me up. I grab my clothes and Chick’s keys and head toward the showers.

Our equipment guy’s picking up the dirty uniforms that have been tossed on the floor. He looks up at me as I come out of the bathroom stall, fully clothed.

“You didn’t see me,” I say. “All right, Benji?”

He shrugs. “All right. I’m cool.”

I slip around him to the back door. The security guard looks up at me and nods. “I’m going to have to tell Joe if he asks, Seb, but if he doesn’t, I didn’t see you either.”

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